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Welcome to LytW8.com, a website dedicated to the pursuit of lightweight backpacking. My name is Jamie Shortt and my intent is to build a site with information to aid backpackers in reducing the weight they carry greatly adding to one's outdoor experience. Hike further, hike easier, hike softer, and hike safer....this is LytW8 hiking.

LytW8 is honored as winner of BPL 24 Hour Gear List Competition. See all the entries here....

Inventory - Make a list of all gear you carry. Weigh each item with a digital scale to the nearest 0.1 ounce. A spreadsheet will help with this.

Reduce - Identify items you can get rid off. Ask yourself "have I ever used this item?", "What would I do If I did not bring this item?", "Do I need this item to maintain my safety". Be hard and press yourself. This step is the cheapest way to reduce your pack weight. Do you really need a multi-tool when a razor blade will work just as well? Do you really need a fork, spoon, and knife set when a plastic spoon from Wendy's will work just as well?

Skill-up - Learn new skills to allow new types of gear to replace existing gear. With the right skills a tarp and bivy will protect you from the elements just as well as a tent. A tarp and bivy will weight ~1 lbs compared to a typical one person tent at 4 lbs (save 3 lbs).

Evaluate - After each trip review your gear list. Idenitfy any item not used and consider them for elimination. For each item ask your self "how can I reduce the weight of this item?". Try different methods. For example, on your next trip try using Aqua-Mira instead of your filter system for purifying water. If you don't like it its only one trip.